Electronic devices have become indispensable tools in our daily lives. From smartphones to solar panels, electronic devices help make living in the 21st century much easier. Inside all of these astonishing devices are PCBs or printed circuit boards. These boards act as bases to support different types of electrical components, such as sockets and wirings. Thanks to Paul Eisler’s vision and persistence, we are now enjoying these modern conveniences.
Engineers across all industries assemble PCB prototypes to design and create smarter and more energy-efficient devices for consumer use. For your reading pleasure, we are featuring common devices using PCBs.
Toys
Remote-controlled vehicles, singing and dancing dolls, and electronic keyboards are some examples of children’s toys with PCBs. Today’s technology has made it safer for a manufacturer to produce better electronic toys. It’s now easier to either repair or replace a faulty component. It’s possible to reduce electronic noise, which makes play more fun. The compact size of PCBs also helps reduce production costs, making electronic children’s toys more affordable.
HVAC Units
HVAC or air-conditioning units help keep our homes cool during hot summer days. Modern HVAC units consume less electricity, thanks to PCBs. These miniature motherboards can automatically regulate a specific’s temperature based on humidity. PCBs can also monitor an HVAC’s on-board system to protect it from electrical surges, in case of power interruptions.
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Washers and Dryers
Older washers and dryers were bulky pieces of equipment. They were filled with either copper or plastic wires for them to function properly. Modern washers and dryers are lighter, thanks to composite plastics and micro-controlled printed circuit boards. PCBs also made it possible to automate certain laundry and drying functions.
Modern Cars
Back then, cars only had mechanical and analog devices to run. During the early 1990s, the ECU or Electronic Control Unit was introduced and paired with an EFI or Electronic Fuel Injection system. These innovations made it possible for cars to be fuel-efficient while having more engine horsepower.
Today, the modern automobile is using different PCBs for a variety of purposes. These PCB types include flex, HDI (High-Density Interconnect), LED, and Flex-Rigid boards. HDI makes the vehicle’s infotainment system run, while Rigid-Flex facilitates a car’s lighting system.
Metal, ceramic, copper, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are also PCB boards used for cars. They help ensure the performance of a vehicle’s safety features, such as ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), reverse and anti-collision radar systems, and the engine management system. Electronic vehicle manufacturers will be using more PCBs for car automation, as well.
Personal Health Monitoring Devices
Monitoring your health is now more convenient because of PCBs. Glucose monitoring kits, mobile EKG monitors, and pulse oximeters are some of the common monitoring devices.
Pulse oximeters, for example, are vital for patients who have pulmonary diseases (COPD, asthma, and lung cancer). The PCB inside the device helps analyze the oxygen level in the patient’s blood and if it’s circulating properly. Pacemakers also benefit from PCBs as they help regulate and control a patient’s heartbeat.
All the modern conveniences we enjoy today are due to printed circuit boards. Without these, we won’t have fuel-efficient cars to drive, air conditioning units to cool us during hot days, monitor our health, and help us with our house chores.